BAR Duo Rue Wrong Tyre Choice

Button managed to hold on to fifth place while Takuma Sato finally managed to score his first World Championship point of the season as he took eighth.

Both drivers were well aware, however, that the team's decision to opt for the harder compound Michelin tyre hit their hopes hard.

Button said: "We had a reasonably good race and secured a two-car points finish, which is great for the team. The car was running quite well and considering the fact that our tyre choice did not work for us this race, I am pleased to have finished fifth today."

Sato added: "It was a tough race today, not least because of the temperature in the cockpit, so I am pleased with our result.

"I have finally achieved my first Championship point of the season after a lot of bad luck and I am happy to do so as the team begins a three-week break.  I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work during the first part of the season.

"The first lap of today's race was quite dramatic and it was very important to me to avoid getting caught up in that.  I was able to avoid any problems as well as improve my track position, overtaking Barrichello on the outside of turn two."